Assertion : The carbonate of lithium decomposes easily on heating to form lithium oxide and $\mathrm{CO}_2$. Reason: Lithium being very small in size polarises large carbonate ion leading to the formation of more stable $\mathrm{Li}_2 \mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{CO}_2$.

• Correct answer
  A

  If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
• B

  If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
• C

  If assertion is true but reason is false.
• D

  If both assertion and reason are false.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.